August 2023

The Stress Test
Now that summer is winding down--explore what you need to enjoy the rest of your summer and gear up for the fall. Stress is not necessarily a bad thing--it can be a stimulus for positive change and growth. 

What symptoms to you experience when stressed--insomnia, change in eating habits, worry, stomach or intestinal distress, trouble concentrating, waking early thinking about tasks to be done, low energy, apathy, irritability, loss of a sense of humor, forgetfulness, loss of control over your life, relationships or friendships feeling unsatisfying, panicking easily, fatigue, frequent colds or allergies, increased drinking or smoking, difficulty falling asleep, loss of enthusiasm for work, other?

Consider the following STRESS BUSTERS
Time talking with family/friends
Focused relaxation where you notice areas of stress and breathe slowly into those areas
Make a list of people and things you are grateful for
Set boundaries at work or home
Meditate or take a class or try a new group
Bike, jog, dance, or take a 10 minute walk--as is safe for you to do
Massage your neck or back within your health condition guidelines
Consider taking a yoga or tai chi class
Consider having some caffeine free herbal tea
Practice slow deep breathing
Take appropriate action to change situations that are troubling you
Relieve yourself of responsibilities that no longer feel right for you
Try new things, like  new nutritious and tasty foods
Assign yourself a time to "fret"--then move on to your daily activities
Take a warm bath--possibly with a few drops of lavender or ylang ylang essential oils
Consider trying biofeedback
Take a painting, writing, or photography class
Consider playing racquetball or tennis
Take a nap--even if just for 10 minutes
Take your work breaks
Do simple safe stretches for 10 minutes
Laugh, watch comedies, read humorous books
Try autosuggestion such as "My shoulders are relaxing"
Take a warm shower
Brush your hair
(from each temple, to the base of the skull, then down the center of the back of your head)
Take a weekend, a day trip, or even a morning--away from obligations and worries
Express yourself creatively
Try abdominal breathing--inhaling slowly through your nose, exhaling completely, squeezing the belly comfortably tight. Practice this for 5 minutes at a time or whatever is a comfortable length of time for you
Soak your feet in warm water--with a few drops of peppermint essential oil, if safe for you to use
Honor a time and space for your own relaxation
Consider regular massage therapy
Add other items to your list, and check the ones that seem right and medically possible and safe for you at this time. Enjoy! If feeling overwhelmed with stress--of course,seek professional help.

Adapted from Client Education Handouts for Self-Care--Information for people